Victoria Eye Doctor target of Murder-for-hire plot

SAANICH - In a Seattle courtroom this morning Dr. Joseph King stood just a few feet away from the man accused of plotting ot kill him.

"My family and I are absolutely terrified that he'll be released on bail," said King to the Seattle judge.

51-year-old Dr. Michael Mockovak is accused of paying $10,000 to an informant for the murder of Dr. King, his business partner and former brother-in-law. The pair founded Clearly Lasik Laser Surgery clinics in Saanich, Edmonton, Washington State and Oregon.

This morning Mockovak pleaded not guilty to two counts of first degree solicitation to commit murder. He also had his bail lowered from $3 million to $2 million.

Speaking briefly to reporters outside the courtroom, Dr. King said "as long as he's in jail, we feel safe, but if he's not, we do not. If he's out, we're very afraid."

Prosecutors allege another intended victim was Brad Klock, a former hockey player from Port Alberni who had sued the company after being dismissed from his job as president. The dismissal came last year after the company's profits sank and the doctors fired several employees.

Court papers say Mockovak asked a Russian-born employee if he had mafia connections because he wanted Klock to be "eliminated". Court documents also say he wanted King killed and wanted it to look like an accident, perhaps a drowning.

FBI agents arrestsed Mockovak last week without incident, then searched his home while neighbours watched.

Dr. King practices one day a week at his Saanich clinic. Despite the plot to end his life, today it was business as usual.

The company's CEO Christian Monea released a statement saying "Our commitment to our patients and the community is our top priority. We have taken steps to ensure our patients will continue to receive the superior care and service we are known for.

Staff at the Saanich clinic say the case has no bearing on the day-to-day operations. Doctor King performed surgeries at all seven Clearly Lasik locations, however Dr. Mockovak was not licensed to practice in Canada.

Tonight Mockovak remains in custody. If he makes bail, he won't be going back to work any time soon. He's ordered to stay half a mile away from Clearly Lasik locations, Dr. King's home, and the school Dr. King's children attend. His next court appearance is December 16.

Dr. King, his wife and three children aged 5, 3, and 1 are hiding out in a Seattle hotel, afraid for their safety.

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